Concealed weapons permit holders in Virginia will be allowed to carry guns into restaurants that serve alcohol provided they don't drink, and Maryland residents will gain mediation rights before possibly losing their homes to foreclosure as hundreds of new laws go into effect Thursday in both states.

Almost 900 laws approved during winter legislative sessions go on the books in Virginia, and more than 170 take effect in Maryland. A much larger batch of laws will take effect in Maryland on Oct. 1.

In a long-sought victory for supporters of gun rights, the Virginia legislature lifted a ban on guns in establishments that serve alcohol. Lawmakers had passed a similar measure twice before, but it was vetoed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D). This year, the bill was signed into law by Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R), who took office in January. About 300 gun rights supporters plan to celebrate Thursday night by visiting restaurants that serve alcohol while carrying their weapons.

In Maryland, the new foreclosure law was a priority for Gov. Martin O'Malley (D). It is intended to keep more families in their homes by requiring lenders to attempt to negotiate new payment plans in many cases. O'Malley said the law will put families on "a more equal footing with mortgage companies that too often can't be bothered to pick up the phone before beginning a foreclosure proceeding."

In Maryland, a measure championed by O'Malley has already taken effect: It offers companies a $5,000 tax credit for each unemployed worker that they hire.

Virginians will also see court fees rise, as well as a $2 increase in the fee on car registrations as a new state budget goes into effect that included deep spending cuts but no tax increases. A new budget year also begins in Maryland on Thursday. Heading into an election year, lawmakers did not raise taxes and fees.